Steven D. Forbes

Just had part of a conversation with Grand Master O’Neal today. I say part because he had to take another call, and will call me back. I’m just waiting for that callback. But, the good part of the conversation is that I’ll be going to this year’s San Diego Comic Con International.

I’ll be behind the booth.

Let’s put some perspective on this.

The first time I went to the show was around 2000. I was in the military at the time, stationed at Miramar (which is in San Diego, for those that don’t know), I was married to my first wife, and I had decided I wanted to be in comics around then. My cousin and I. And when I went to the show–it was unlike anything I’d ever seen. LOTS of things to do when it came to panels, LOTS of things to look at and buy, and it was crowded and noisy and it was great. Marvel had a booth, and I took a picture with Spidey.

I felt extremely small. Being in comics seemed to be so big and daunting. Did I really want this many people knowing my name?

I didn’t go back for five years. Money issues. I was no longer in the military, and was living in Virginia Beach with my then-girlfriend (now wife) before I was able to make it back. And it felt something like coming home. I was still working hard at my craft, and while I didn’t have many prospects, it was the show I wanted to go to. So we went. Well, I went. Lenora went too, but spent maybe a total of three hours at the convention itself. Yeah. She doesn’t like crowds.

I continued to hone my craft, and had gotten into editing. There were things I needed to do, and getting to the other side of the booth was one of them. Last year was my first time I went with the air of a professional. I had t-shirts to promote myself, I had business cards to hand out, as well as a sample of my writing. I made some contacts.

One of those contacts turned out to be Grand Master Eric O’Neal, and his Lionman project. I introduced myself as an editor, gave him my card, bought a book. I then sent a direct e-mail from that book, and now, I’m about to be working behind the booth at SDCCI for the first time. I’m going to meet a living legend in the form of Grand Master Jim Kelly (Black Belt Jones, Enter The Dragon), I’m going to meet some martial arts hall of famers, I’m going to meet with Disney execs–all in conjunction with Lionman.

You know that Disney bought Marvel, right? Just thought I’d mention that. Sometimes, people miss that.

I’m on the way to my dreams coming true. I have confidence in my abilities to bring Lionman to a new level. I have my full time job, I have my side job of editing (just got another gig just a bit ago). I have my friends and colleagues in The Five, and a super-secret plan to bring to fruition.

I was watching a biography on Boys II Men a few weeks ago, and they told the story of how they got their shot. They went to a performing arts high school, and was able to make their way backstage in order to sing for some then-prominent singers. They then got some contact info from BBD (formerly of New Edition), and Nate was on their trail for a year before contracts were signed and they became huge.

Now, I’m no singer. I don’t write music or songs. What I do is write and edit comics books. I’ve been doing work and pursuing Lionman for almost a year, because I know what it can do for me. Because Grand Master O’Neal is a public figure dealing with children, he has to be a man of integrity. He has to be above board. He’s done a LOT of things. Go look him up. I’m patient. Grand Master Eric O’Neal, Sr.

Back? See what I mean? And with a booth already paid for at SDCCI, it’s really easy to see why I’ve hitched my wagon to this train. If he gets half of what he wants up off the ground, I’ll be able to do the things that I want to do, as well. I put a two-year window on the things I want to do, knowing they are Lionman dependent. Just to keep better track of it, I can say that the clock started in January. And when it happens…boom.

Everything I ever wanted, within my grasp. Things that I want to do, try, see…as well as working harder than I’ve ever worked before in my life.

I recently wrote on Comic Related the difference between dreams and goals. I also wrote about it on Bolts & Nuts. I had a dream. I’ve turned that dream into a goal. I’ve set out a plan, and am implementing it. I’ve worked hard to prepare myself for the opportunities coming my way. I’ll have to work harder to stay sharp and not just keep up, but to stay ahead. Because it’s going to pay off. Big. I just have to be patient while I work it. Which is the hard part.

But I’ll be working a booth at SDCCI in July. I had a goal last year of having my own booth at SDCCI in two years, but you know what? I’ll take this, and look at it the same way. It’s mine. The firsthand knowledge and experience of working a big show and mingling with people is going to be phenomenal. (I wonder if we can get some polo shirts or t-shirts made up…)

I just made some money. I need to hold onto it in order to cover some expenses while in San Diego. If Lionman covers transporation, lodging, and food, then that’s less money I have to spend right there. But if it’s something I have to invoice…then I need to hold on to what I make from my editing for a bit. July’s right around the corner, and I have to make the money, hold it, and see how things play out before I start doing things I want to do like hiring artists or getting John Truby lectures.

Real life? Things are steady, for once. I went to the movies to see Alice in Wonderland, and I didn’t have to think about holding on to the money for needed things. It’s not totally relaxed around here, but I’ll be able to start getting what I want instead of just getting what I need.

Like iPhone apps. I finally got the iPhone, and I LOVE it. I’ve only noticed a small slowdown in my texting speed, but I’d say that would be natural with a touchscreen. The battery life isn’t good, but I’m carrying a computer in my pocket. I can live with that.  This thing is amazing. I’m looking forward to having Bullet Time on it. But some of the apps I’ll be able to buy would be nice.

That’s really about it for me for now. I have a script to edit, and some food to eat. Guess which gets done first?

Go watch the original Wolf Man before seeing it in theaters. Then, be happy that Benecio del Toro isn’t a whiney bitch!

-Steven